Scalp Micropigmentation is a permanent cosmetic procedure that uses pointillism techniques to add density to the scalp by creating the illusion of hair follicles.
Meet Eli
CO-FOUNDER | SCALP MASTER
Eli can fix your problems one hair follicle at a time. He masters the craft of designing the right hairline styles for all his clients, from those looking to get a modern and youthful look, to those desiring to get a traditional and natural hairline. He is an expert at providing outstanding results to people experiencing hair loss. His happiness and pride comes from providing his clients the opportunity to attract the right kind of attention by helping them beat hair loss and bringing back their confidence.
At ArchAngels we only use top quality products. Our pigments are specifically designed for scalps to settle quickly and last longer, made by organic ingredients and vegan friendly (containing no animal by- products). We have a wide variety of shades to ensure the best results for hair follicle replication.
About SMP
SMP and tattoos are often confused because of their similarity, they both are performed using a handheld machine with a microneedle and they implant pigment underneath the skin’s outer layer. However, the most important difference is the depth in the ink’s implantation, SMP implants the pigment in the upper level of the Dermis while tattoos go deeper into the second Dermis layer. Another important factor is with SMP only pigments made out of natural ingredients are used for a better outcome on the client.
Both women and men struggle with hair loss. Scalp Micropigmentation is a permanent cosmetic procedure that uses tattoo techniques to create the illusion of hair follicles, bringing and undetectable density to the scalp.
This can be used to cover/blend, hair transplant scars, alopecia, thinning hair and male pattern baldness.
You see results immediately with SMP. Although you’ll need a few procedures before it looks just as you want it to. The first session is done a bit more conservative, the second session is required 2 weeks after and this brings in the density and WOW factor. Depending on the hair loss, a third session may be required 4-6 weeks after the second session..
SMP For Men
For many men, hair loss is an inevitable part of the aging process. While some are able to embrace their baldness, others may feel self-conscious about their appearance. For those seeking a solution to their hair loss, scalp micropigmentation offers a number of benefits. This cosmetic procedure involves depositing pigment into the scalp to create the appearance of a fuller head of hair. Unlike hair transplants, scalp micropigmentation is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require surgery or downtime. In addition, it can be customized to each individual’s desired look. For those who want to keep their hair short, scalp micropigmentation can give the illusion of a closely cropped hairstyle. For those who want to maintain a longer style, the pigment can be blended to match the natural color and density of the existing hair. Scalp micropigmentation is an effective solution for men who are looking for a non-invasive way to improve their appearance and boost their confidence.
SMP For Women
For many women, the process of dealing with hair loss can be emotionally and physically devastating. Not only can hair loss affect a woman’s self-confidence, but it can also lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. In addition, traditional treatments for hair loss, such as hair transplants, can be expensive and invasive. Scalp micropigmentation is a newer treatment that offers many benefits for women suffering from hair loss. Unlike hair transplants, scalp micropigmentation is a non-invasive procedure that does not require any surgery. In addition, it is much less expensive than traditional hair loss treatments. And perhaps most importantly, it can provide women with the appearance of a full head of hair. For women struggling with hair loss, scalp micropigmentation can be a life-changing treatment.
Pre-Care
Arrive on time for your scheduled appointment in order to maximize every second of your scheduled treatment session. More than 15 minutes late we will have to reschedule your session.
Please come in with a clean scalp, and make sure your hair is washed as well.
Only if advised by Scalp Master, do begin moisturizing your scalp once in the morning and once at night (not required for density procedure)
Cut your hair the night at the agreed length at the consultation. We do not cut hair at the clinic.
Avoid consumption of any blood thinners 24 hours prior to your treatment, including alcohol and any kind of painkillers.
Eat a meal prior to your treatment session.
After-Care
Day 1
Please avoid:
- Touching (scratching) Showering or shaving the treated area.
- Carrying out any activities that cause heavy sweating.
- Use moisturizers, shampoo, cleaning products on the treated area.
- Exposing treated area to direct sunlight.
- Going swimming or hot tub.
- Going to the sauna or steam rooms.
Day 4
You should do:
- Wash your head with warm water.
- Apply moisturizer/hair oil twice daily to prevent dryness and flakey skin. (fragrance-free products).
- If you need to shave your head, please use a dry razor or electric shaver only.
- It is ok to resume all former activities.
Day 5
Prior to your 2nd session:
- Wash your head with warm water.
- Please make sure that your hair is cut o the length specified to you by your artist.
Day 28
- Swimming and using hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms are now considered safe.
- Please use CETAPHIL DERMACONTROL Oil (Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating. Reapply at least every 2 hours).
SMP Faqs
If you’ve been considering scalp micropigmentation (SMP), you probably have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about SMP, along with brief answers.
Is it Permanent?
Yes, Scalp MicroPigmentation is a permanent medical-grade tattoo similar to permanent makeup or a traditional tattoo.
Fading: Just like traditional tattoos, the pigment will fade over time. To avoid premature fading, we recommend that you use sunscreen and avoid prolonged periods of exposure to the sun. If you need to be exposed to the sun for a long time, wear a hat if possible. Doing so will not only preserve you SMP but it will also protect your skin from sunburns.
Is it a Tattoo?
Scalp Micropigmentation is a medically refined tattoo. In other words, it’s a medical-grade tattoo.
What’s the difference between a Tattoo and SMP?
To understand the difference between a tattoo and SMP, you need to understand how a traditional tattoo is applied to the skin and the skin layers that are affected by the pigment.
Human skin has three layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis. The dermis is the outer layer. It’s the layer you wash in the shower and the one that produces flakes from dry skin. The epidermis is the second layer of skin and it can be up to up to 4 millimeters thick. It’s this layer that will absorb the pigment during a tattoo or SMP procedure.
During a regular tattoo session, the tattoo machine is set to penetrate the epidermis all the way into the dermis to a depth of up to 3 ½ millimeters. The needles used in a tattoo are very thick and carry a lot of pigment into the skin.
During SMP, the dermis is penetrated to a depth of ¼ millimeter to ½ millimeter. The needles we use are extremely fine medical-grade needles designed to leave a very small.
Is this a medical procedure?
SMP is not a medical procedure. Although it is performed in a medical hair restoration clinic by hair transplant surgeons and specially trained staff, it is technically not a medical procedure. Our technicians have years of experience performing SMP and hair transplant surgery. Our surgeons are pioneers in the field of medical hair restoration and they have perfected the techniques used in Scalp MicroPigmentation to ensure a successful procedure every time.
Is it safe?
Our SMP procedure is completely safe. We use pre-packaged one-time-use sterile needles. Our clinic adheres to surgical center rules to maintain the highest level of sterility and cleanliness. Your procedure is done in a private treatment room. This greatly reduces the possibility of cross contamination from patients receiving other treatments at the clinic such as hair, beard or eyebrow transplants.
Does it hurt?
Scalp Micropigmentation is far less painful than a traditional tattoo but you will still feel some discomfort depending on your pain tolerance. Patients say the tender spots are at the front hairline and around the ears.
To make you as comfortable as possible, we offer local anesthetic that is similar in nature to the anesthetic used by dentists. We also offer light sedation for the duration of your procedure.
What if I want to grow out my hair?
Depending on your balding pattern this may be possible. Consultation between a prospective patient and an experienced hair restoration doctor before undergoing SMP is invaluable.
What if I am not bald, but I want to make my hair look fuller using a concealer (Toppik and DermMatch)?
SMP is used to decrease the contrast between your scalp color and hair color, giving an illusion of fullness. You can think of SMP as a “permanent” cosmetic concealer such as Toppik or DermMatch. Unlike some concealers, with SMP you will not have to worry if your scalp is showing from the uneven application of concealers. Unlike some cosmetic concealers, SMP does not put a stain on your clothing, pillow, or on your significant other’s fingertips.
What if my hair turns gray?
Believe it or not, the stubble from white hair (and most colors of hair) is GRAY when you shave close to the skin. Just look at blond men with a close shave and you will see the gray shade where the hair exits the scalp. We try to match the shade of pigment based on your skin and hair color. If you have dark hair now and it turns gray later on in life, the underlying shade will blend despite the hair color change, because SMP covers the entire scalp (not just the bald areas).
If I continue to bald after doing the procedure, will it look natural?
As we are physicians specializing in hair loss and its treatment, we can plan for a worst case balding situation to develop. Whatever is done, it must be designed to plan for the worst case balding scenario or the possibility that some day you may decide to have a hair transplant or another type of hair loss procedure in the future.
What if it fades?
The SMP process requires two to three treatments spaced out at least two weeks apart to get the color and shading just right. This time interval is needed so that your skin can exfoliate. Each individual absorbs some pigment at different rates. For the first year we offer free touch ups if there is any fading. Your finished SMP process should last years before needing a touch up, but everyone is different.
What if I want a hair transplant later on?
You can always have a hair transplant in combination with the SMP process, but not on the same day.
Can I ease into the decision to have this done?
Yes. We have done test areas (about 1cm square area) in scars so that the person gets comfortable with the way it looks, and we have done test areas where the balding scalp meets the side hair. This approach has been very helpful to the person who is ‘on the fence’ in deciding whether SMP is right for them.
Does it look real?
Yes. Although there is nothing in this world that is “perfect”, with the artistry and technique we use, you should not be able to tell that someone has had SMP even up close. SMP gives you the look of a permanent 5 o’clock shadow. SMP blends in with the genetically resistant-to-balding hair around the sides of your head.
Don’t tattoos or pigment dots just look like a big blob over time?
Traditional tattoos may discolor, but this is highly dependent on the type of ink used, the depth the pigment was placed into the scalp, and the amount of sun exposure you get. The key to minimizing this effect is to use a specialty pigment like we do and either wear a hat when in the sun or use a good sun blocker (with a high SPF factor). SMP dots will lose definition over time, but unlike regular tattoos, the ‘blob’ look is greatly minimized due to the special technique and the instruments used.
Don’t tattoos or pigment look green or blue?
There is always a potential change in the color of pigment over time. The pigment used for SMP is chosen to match the color and tone of shaved hair underneath one’s skin. Despite variations in hair color, most patients have a grayish (and greenish) tint after the hair is shaved from the dark roots of the hair showing through the layers of the dermis and epidermis. Much like how blood vessels appear green under the skin, the increased absorption of the red spectrum of light gives rise to this phenomenon explained by the trichromatic theory of color vision (i.e. if red is absorbed, you will perceive green). The light propagation through human tissue has also been modeled to show the greater decrease of red spectrum remission. In short, there is NO TRUE perception of black when the pigment is deposited beneath the skin. The greater depth of pigment deposit, the greater the potential change in color perception.
I heard there are other techniques or colors that will not turn green or blue.
Over time, there will always be a slight change in the perception of color. Some patients never feel the need for a touch up and others come back after several years if they see slight changes. (See the answer from the previous question for more information.)
Can you make a soft natural hairline?
Dr. Pak is an expert at creating natural looking hairlines. Most clients want a soft and natural fading frontal hairline, while others prefer a more distinct and linear look. We advise and work with our patients individually to obtain the look they want.
What will I look like immediately after SMP is done?
Immediately after the procedure, your scalp will look slightly pink, somewhat similar to a sunburn. This pink color will fade out over the course of 24 to 48 hours. This is more pronounced in patients with a light skin color. You will appear to have a full head of hair that has a closely shaved look. The pigment may also appear more pronounced until you wash your scalp and remove the excess pigment three days later. Depending on each patient and the type of skin, the pigment may fade as it settles in. This is the reason why you may need more touch-ups, so that the shade and color is just right. Although we recommend at least 2 weeks between SMP sessions, you can wait weeks or months depending on your schedule and geographic location.
I am a woman with thinning hair. Can SMP help me appear to have thicker hair?
Yes, we have performed SMP on women, but we are cautious when it comes to women because we want to know the cause of the hair loss or hair thinning. With men, 99% have hair loss or hair thinning from genetic causes in a typical balding pattern (MPB), but women may have balding due to many medical conditions and we would want to diagnose them prior to offering SMP. As ethical physicians, we want to be sure that we do not perform this process on women who have potentially reversible baldness from hormonal causes, thyroid, or autoimmune diseases.
Can my tattooist do what you do?
No. SMP is unique in its application as we use specialized instruments, needles, and pigments. A tattooist may be an expert at what they do (creating wearable art) and their clients are proud to show off their tattoo, but a successful SMP application should be virtually undetectable. You also have the option to have the SMP performed under a local anesthesia – a tattooist cannot deliver anesthesia to ensure a painless procedure.
